Wildlife

Wild Hedgehog Nest Site Conservation

Hedgehog nesting sites are critical for successful hibernation and breeding, and are threatened by tidied gardens and habitat loss.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs make two types of nests - summer daytime rests and winter hibernation nests
Hibernation nests require deep piles of leaves and vegetation
Disturbing a hibernating hedgehog can be fatal as fat reserves are exhausted
Compost heaps and piles of garden debris are important nest sites
Garden bonfires kill thousands of hedgehogs hibernating within them each year

Welfare Considerations

Access to suitable nesting material and secure nest sites is fundamental to hedgehog survival. Hedgehogs that cannot hibernate adequately due to disturbance or lack of suitable sites face increased mortality. The welfare impact of bonfire deaths is acute and preventable. Garden management practices have a major cumulative impact on hedgehog populations.

What You Can Do

Check bonfires carefully before lighting and move materials to a new site
Leave areas of undisturbed leaves and vegetation for nesting
Never disturb a hedgehog nest, especially in autumn and winter
Install a hedgehog house in your garden to provide safe shelter